Are you craving a quick, mouth-watering meal that combines the delicate elegance of angel hair pasta with the bright, tangy flavors of lemon-infused chicken? Look no further! This Italian-inspired dish is not just a recipe, it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality masterpiece in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this Angel Hair Pasta with Lemon Chicken will become your new go-to comfort food that's both light and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While water is heating, pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Add minced garlic to the chicken skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Once water is boiling, add angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 3-4 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken, stirring to coat evenly.
- Drain pasta and return to pot. Add chicken and pan drippings, tossing gently to combine. If needed, add reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Transfer to serving plates, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in flavor and moisture.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor - bottled juice simply can't compare.
- Don't overcook the pasta! Angel hair is delicate and cooks quickly. Test it at 3 minutes to achieve that perfect al dente texture.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients cling together.
- Sauté garlic briefly to release its flavor without burning, which can make it bitter.
- Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature of both pasta and chicken.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or freshly grated Parmesan cheese as a finishing touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
